With the facelifted Toyota Camry now offered in most global markets, the refreshed D-segment sedan is finally headed to Southeast Asia next. After being launched in Singapore earlier this year as a Japanese import, the car will make its debut in Thailand on November 3 with a mild redesign and a consolidated powertrain lineup. According to Thai publication Headlight Magazine, the Land of Smiles will follow Malaysia in ditching the base 2.0 litre model, with the updated range consisting of the returning 2.5G and Hybrid Premium and Premium Luxury variants, plus a new 2.5E Sport.
The sole petrol engine option is the
unchanged E85-compatible A25A-FKB 2.5 litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated
four-cylinder that produces 209 PS at 6,600 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 5,000
rpm; it’s paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Hybrid variant gets
an Atkinson-cycle version of that mill that pushes out 178 PS at 5,700 rpm and
221 Nm between 3,600 and 5,200 rpm.
Providing added punch is an 88 PS/202 Nm
electric motor that helps the Camry Hybrid achieve a total system output of 211
PS. The nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery has been retained but is now
located under the rear seats – instead of under the boot floor – to boost
luggage space and lower the centre of gravity.
Visual changes are fairly minor and
consists of a more defined centre intake that just out from the large lower
grille, now framed by some chrome inserts; the upper grille has also been
mildly re-profiled. Inside, the centre console has been rearranged with the new
freestanding infotainment touchscreen now situated above the air vents,
following the trend set by newer Toyota models.
Safety has also been upgraded with the
introduction of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which adds nighttime pedestrian,
daytime cyclist and cross-junction pedestrian detection for the autonomous
emergency braking system. Other new features include evasive steering assist,
lane centring assist, a corner deceleration function for the adaptive cruise
control, and drive start control that protects against sudden throttle inputs.
